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Posts tagged ‘American poetry’

It was once said by another author that we emerge into competent writers as we learn from reading from other accomplished writers.
We develop our own recipe of writing by adding our personality, imagination and style to a story, but we learn to progress, improve, and share by being an active participant in reading from other authors. Today, I will share about one author, and would like for others to comment and share about their favorite authors, then today’s blog will become a resource for all.

The WakingBY THEODORE ROETHKE

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

About Theodore Roethke
Theodore Roethke, the American poet known for his imagery of nature and of the human body, took ten years to write Open House, his first book of poems. He was born in 1908 in Michigan. He dropped out of law school to pursue writing. His poems ranged from clever, controlled stanzas to confessional free verse. He suffered from depression but claimed it allowed him to “reach a new level of reality,” delving deep into his psyche to write. His book The Waking won the 1954 Pulitzer Prize. He died in 1963.